Keetmanshoop-based long-distance taxi operators have condemned the recent ministerial directive permitting seven-seater vehicles to operate on long-distance routes. 

The Minister of Works and Transport, Veiko Nekundi, recently issued the directive. 

The long-distance taxi operators staged a demonstration to protest against the directive, which they condemned as a direct violation of existing laws as well as their rights. 

They asserted the seven-seater operators are not registered under the existing laws and called for a dialogue on the future of existing long-distance transport operators to ensure the legitimacy of seven-seater vehicles on long-distance routes. 

The directive, they argued, disregarded and trampled on numerous grievances about seven-seater vehicles that had been raised over several years. 

Addressed to the Office of the President, the petition demands clarification on several concerns, including the validity of existing laws and regulations and whether the ministerial directive superseded an existing law. 

Expressing concerns about the safety and loading capacity of seven-seater vehicles for long-distance travel, the protestors proposed that permits should be issued for five-seaters, with the two rear seats reserved for cargo.

"We feel favouritism and unfair treatment should not be entertained. We require explanations for the continued operation of unregistered seven-seaters as public transport operators, even under the scrutiny of authorities and law enforcement. This needs to be looked into: why it remained unchecked while the other group, in the form of minibuses, was checked day and night and forced to comply or otherwise face the full wrath of the existing laws and regulations," said Doc Sifoleni, who spoke on behalf of the protestors.

||Kharas governor Aletha Frederick received the petition and promised to ensure the petition reaches the right offices.

"I always say that all concerns of Namibians are legitimate, and therefore, on that basis, the document will be immediately forwarded to the relevant authorities. I think you should address it to the President, Her Excellency, and of course, once we are done, we will make sure it reaches the Office of the President."

The protestors demanded that their grievances be treated with urgency, underlining the need for immediate action to address them.